What does the Episcopal Church believe about Baptism?

In the waters of baptism, we are lovingly adopted by God into God’s family, which we call the Church, and given God’s own life to share and reminded that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. Holy Baptism, which can be performed through pouring of water or immersion in it, marks a formal entrance to the congregation and wider Church; the candidates for the sacrament make a series of vows, including an affirmation of the Baptismal Covenant, and are baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are marked as Christ’s own for ever, having “clothed [themselves] with Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

All people of any age are welcome to baptized; we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, as the “bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble” (Book of Common Prayer, page 298).

Upcoming Dates for Holy Baptism

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is administered at St. Aidan’s on the four especially appropriate days designated in the Book of Common Prayer: the Easter Vigil, the Day of Pentecost, the Sunday after All Saints' Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany). Upcoming dates for Holy Baptism at St. Aidan’s are listed below.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baptism at St. Aidan’s

Who can be baptized at St. Aidan’s?

All are welcome at St. Aidan’s. Our rector, Father Reggie, likes to meet with parents and godparents prior to the baptism. This can be arranged in-person or through video conference if the godparents reside out of state.

Is there a class that I have to attend as a parent or candidate for baptism?

Rather than a class, the candidate or parents of a candidate meet with Father Reggie prior to the baptism to prepare and understand the significance of the sacrament of Holy Baptism.

Who baptizes the candidate?

Our rector, Father Reggie baptizes the candidates at St. Aidan’s. In special circumstances, other clergy may celebrate the sacrament of Holy Baptism.

In the Episcopal Church, it is the responsibility of the rector to prepare persons for baptism and, before baptizing infants or children, instruct both the parents and godparents concerning the significance of Holy Baptism and their responsibilities for the Christian training of the baptized child and how these obligations may be properly discharged

Can I decorate the church for my or my child’s baptism?

As Holy Baptism is a sacrament, and celebrated during a worship service, we offer families the opportunity to donate the altar flowers in celebration and thanksgiving for the baptism. The fee to donate the altar flowers is $50. The Flower Guild prepares the arrangement, and will create a take-home arrangement for the family immediately following the last Sunday worship service.

Can we take pictures during the baptism?

We work with families to reserve the appropriate amount of seating for the baptism party and guests. The entire baptism party will be seated closest to the baptismal font. We ask families to wait until after the worship service to take photos. The altar will remain dressed, and Father Reggie will vest and meet the family at the font after the worship service for photos.

If you have other questions about baptism at St. Aidan’s, please connect with a member of our team by completing the form below. We will be back in touch as soon as possible with a response.